Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for primary polycythemia vera cancer is denied as he does not have a current disability of this condition at any time proximate to the pendency of his claim.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than October 14, 2009 and a higher initial rating for dry eyes with visual field defect were denied. The Board found that the earliest effective date possible was October 14, 2009, as it is the date of claim. The Veteran did not have incapacitating episodes or other conditions warranting a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized as specific phobia, situational, is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service did not meet the criteria for pension eligibility as he did not serve during a period of war, thus his pension claim is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was dementia and dehydration. The Board found that the Veteran experienced stomach issues during service, which led to bouts of dehydration and contributed to his death.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, including asthma, chronic coughing, and shortness of breath due to asbestos exposure, was granted service connection effective February 23, 1996, the day following his separation from active duty.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's respiratory disability, finding that his FEV-1 percentage of 95% predicted and FEV-1/FVC of 78% did not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under DC 6600.

The Board has denied service connection for a jaw disability and remanded the issue of service connection for a nasal disability. The Veteran's jaw disability was not found to be related to his military service, while the nasal disability requires further examination to determine its relationship with service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's nasopharyngeal cancer is at least as likely as not related to his service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's marriage to the appellant was deemed invalid due to a legal impediment, and therefore, the appellant cannot be recognized as his surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected encephalitis has been rated at 10 percent since November 16, 1953, and from March 17, 1956, to September 29, 2009. The appeal is denied as the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has identified errors in the duty to assist and has ordered a remand for further examination and development of the claims for service connection for right and left foot disorders.

The Veteran's left epididymitis with testalgia is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this claim for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was untimely, as it was filed more than one year after the June 2021 rating decision denying service connection for rashes on chest and ear.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 6, 2012 for service connection for urinary incontinence is granted. The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for urinary incontinence is remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2022 VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected trochanteric pain syndrome, right hip, limitation of flexion and trochanteric pain syndrome, right hip, limitation of extension due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain another VA examination that addresses the severity of the Veteran's disabilities after identifying and discounting the ameliorative effects of his medication.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion obtained in September 2021 were inadequate to address all claimed conditions, including dry eyes and eye strain. The Veteran's private treatment records have not been fully evaluated, so additional remand is required for an adequate evaluation and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not render her in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status. The case is remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran needs aid and attendance, and whether she qualifies as housebound.

The appeal seeking payment for medical services provided through VA's Community Care program on December 9, 2020 is dismissed as the process does not allow for Board review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for enlarged prostate was granted in the August 2024 rating decision, but since he did not appeal this decision, it is dismissed.